“The faith” is an objective body of truth (cf. Acts 6:7) “The faith” is an objective body of truth (cf. Acts 6:7) –Distinctive from one’s subjective belief – i.e., “faith” –It is to be “heard” (Acts 24:24), “obeyed” (Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5; 16:26) and “continued in” (Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23). “The faith” is the gospel system (Gal. 1:11 ~ 1:23) “The faith” is the gospel system (Gal. 1:11 ~ 1:23)

It is “THE” Faith – the one and only faith It is “THE” Faith – the one and only faith –Paul “preached the faith” (Gal. 1:23) –Paul warned some would “depart from the faith” (2 Ti. 4:1) –Paul affirmed that he had “kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7) –There is only “one faith” (Eph. 4:5) Thus, we must all believe it alike and teach it alike Thus, we must all believe it alike and teach it alike –Could one faith/gospel produce varying beliefs/faiths? –Christians are to “speak the same thing” (1 Cor. 1:10) –Christians are to “speak the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11)

The faith was “once for all delivered” The faith was “once for all delivered” –Jesus “died to sin once for all” (Rom. 6:10) –Jesus “entered the Most Holy Place once for all” (Heb. 9:12) –Jesus offered His body “once for all” (Heb. 10:10) –“Once for all” indicates finality – happened once & not again The faith is complete The faith is complete –Jesus promised His apostles: the Holy Spirit will “teach you ALL things” (John 14:26) + “guide you into ALL truth” (John 16:13) –An apostle later affirmed ALL things had been given (2 Pet. 1:3) –Therefore, we need not expect any latter-day revelations or direct operations of (or revelations from) the Holy Spirit today

“Was delivered” is passive “Was delivered” is passive –The source is distinct and separate from the receiver “The faith” did NOT originate in the mind of man but in the mind of God “The faith” did NOT originate in the mind of man but in the mind of God –The revelation came from the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:9-13) –Man “received” it & then “delivered” it (1 Cor. 11:23; 15:3) –It was not from man but thru revelation (Gal. 1:11-12) Having originated with God, “the faith” has authority over our lives Having originated with God, “the faith” has authority over our lives –We must keep His Word (Col. 3:17) –His Word will be our judge (John 12:48)

The faith was delivered “to the saints” The faith was delivered “to the saints” –“Saints” are members of the church (1 Cor. 1:2) –We are to be faithful stewards (1 Cor. 4:2) The faith was delivered to the saints: The faith was delivered to the saints: –For proclamation (2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:15; Mark 16:15-16) –For protection (Phil. 1:7, 17; 1 Pet. 3:15; Eph. 6:10-20) –For practice and portrayal (Phil. 1:27; 1 Pet. 3:1; Jas. 1:22)

Christians are to “contend earnestly for the faith” Christians are to “contend earnestly for the faith” We must contend for: We must contend for: –The inspiration of the faith (2 Tim. 3:16-17) –The all-sufficiency of the faith (2 Pet. 1:3) –The power of the faith (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12) –The purity of the faith (Gal. 1:6-9) –The authority of the faith (Col. 3:17)

By believing Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 By believing Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 By repenting of sins – Acts 17:30 By repenting of sins – Acts 17:30 By confessing faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 By confessing faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 By being immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:26-27 By being immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:26-27 –God will forgive your sins – Acts 22:16 –God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 –God will enroll you in heaven’s register – Hebrews 12:23 By obeying it and faithfully living it – 2 Tim. 4:7 By obeying it and faithfully living it – 2 Tim. 4:7 By contending for it – Jude 3 By contending for it – Jude 3